Mayor Ras J. Baraka and Department of Health and Community Wellness Director Ketlen Baptiste Alsbrook announced that the City of Newark is activating a CODE RED for 11 a.m. Thursday, August 1, through 8 p.m. Friday, August 2. While temperatures are in the 90’s, the heat index is expected to reach as high as 99°.
A “Code Red” is a Hot Weather Health Warning that is usually issued in anticipation of extreme heat and humidity with periods of time when the heat index is 100ºF or more. Such conditions have been associated with illness and/or death. Residents (specifically seniors and those with chronic health issues) should take precautions to prevent heat-related stress and exhaustion.
The Health Department urges Newark residents to take precautions to prevent serious illness that can result from extreme heat, especially among the most vulnerable populations such as seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions. Citizens should also check in on neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.
Residents should use air conditioning to stay cool, stay hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals, and limit strenuous activity, especially during the hottest parts of the day (which are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.). In addition to extreme temperatures, the air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive populations. The extreme heat and stagnant air during a heat wave increases the amount of pollution in the air. Sensitive groups including people with asthma, heart or lung disease, older adults, children, and teenagers should limit time outdoors.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services and its partners are committed to supporting residents that may need services during a code red. Shelters are activated to remain open during non-traditional hours and to expand their bed capacity. Street outreach is conducted by street outreach workers from 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week, encouraging them to enter emergency shelters or visit drop-in or cooling centers.
The Mayor’s Office of Homeless Services is also collaborating with community-based organizations to provide overnight shelter for residents with no address. If you identify an unsheltered resident in need of non-emergency services, please text “Path Home” to 855-11. The text is sent to street outreach teams that will locate the person and offer services. For more information regarding sheltering services, contact the shelters listed below or the Office of Homeless Services at (973) 877- 9481, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
